The Product Evolution feature will introduce you to the broader picture of products, whether it's showing how a design came to be, how a brand has changed, or ideas on how society
shaped the space around us.

It provides easy access to several ports (charging, USB,
Ethernet, and headphones among them), while concealing the connections and reducing clutter. The dock
and arm combo offers plug-and-play productivity and
improves comfort and health in the active workplace.

At only 4. 65 pounds, M/Connect’s aluminum and
steel constructions can support up to 40 pounds of
monitor equipment. It attaches to the workstation with
either a clamp or grommet hole, both of which are
detachable. Three color options (white, black, and
gray) complement its sleek, modern look comprised of
highly recyclable components. Here’s a closer look at
its development.

+Evolution

ROBERT VOLEK

Robert Volek has a diverse background ranging
from mechanic studies to desktop publishing
and industrial design. After several years of
running his own graphic design practice, he
began industrial design studies in New York and
received his degree in London. In his professional
career he has worked with industry-leading
companies to develop products that focus on
user experience and ergonomics.

RESEARCH

“We researched the devices people use and how they use
them,” explained Volek, adding that the product evolved
from ideation to launch in roughly a year and a half. The
Humanscale team identified which ports to provide and how
to package them. This process was informed by their “active
vs. passive” approach. Active devices are the ones you use
daily or hourly, and are usually mobile—laptop, tablet, and
phone—while passive devices remain static, like the monitor,
keyboard, mouse, and printer.

TESTING

“We thought to combine the arms with
the docking, because people use their
workstations, but they go away,” Volek
said. The ports for passive devices are
hidden away under the work surface in
the vertical component of M/Connect.

Active devices are accommodated on
part of the dock above the workstation,
allowing for plug-and-play usage.